Cuboid: 3D Puzzle Game

Warning: in_array() expects parameter 2 to be array, null given in /home/wp_bh2xmh/slidetoplay.com/wp-content/themes/litemag-child/inc/widgets/bl_gameheader_stp.php on line 66

Warning: in_array() expects parameter 2 to be array, null given in /home/wp_bh2xmh/slidetoplay.com/wp-content/themes/litemag-child/inc/widgets/bl_gameheader_stp.php on line 69Cuboid: 3D Puzzle Game is a game from , originally released 31st December, 1969

Cuboid is a 3D block puzzle game with a rather simple premise: Atop a floating platform comprised of panels, you must deliver a two-panel wide block (the titular ‘Cuboid’) to a hole at the opposite end of the platform, dropping it through to complete the course.

Ah, but if only it were as simple as it sounds. The block is unbalanced, so whenever you come across a series of panels that are only one wide (this is frequent, in case you were wondering), it falls off the platform. As such, you have to make sure you are moving it in single-file formation. But then the game soon introduces creaky wooden panels which cannot support the full weight of the Cuboid, and so you must move it as it is spread across two wooden panels at a time.

Knock your block off.

This is how the complexity builds in Cuboid, as the game often changes the situation and how a block can be utilized. Switches, bridges, and teleporters also come into play, each with their own rules. What makes the challenge formidable is that you cannot simply change how the Cuboid is oriented, but must move it around the board to position it in such a way– and even then, being just one tile off can completely thwart your progress.

The game is fun, but it’s also merciless. In some cases, memorization is key to progressing, as if/when you mess up, you’ll need to remember your exact moves to get back to where you were before things went south. This is especially true in the bonus levels, which only allow you a limited number of moves to complete (though with the benefit of items you can pick up to add more moves to the counter).

Scoring is based on the usual three-star system, one of which seems to be awarded for completing the board in roughly so many moves (we’ve gotten three stars even after going slightly over the limit). What is irritating is when you mess up– specifically, when the block falls off the platform and it starts you back at the beginning. For some reason, the move counter just keeps on going, and by that point, you’ll likely just want to start again with a clean slate. Unfortunately, the retry button is inconveniently placed in the pause menu, when a regular button on the main game screen would have been more desirable.

More pit than surface.

The game’s controls are otherwise simple and work without a hitch; swipe in a direction to move the Cuboid in that direction. The playing field is set against the backdrop of an ancient temple’s ruins, and the music works well with the atmosphere.

The only recommendation against Cuboid is that it may not be for everyone, particularly the short-tempered or the impatient. There is a lot of trial and error here, and as noted, one wrong move can ruin all of your hard work in an instant. If you are persistent and can keep track of which moves to repeat and where to diverge in tactics, then you’ll be able to progress. But all the while, the game manages to test one’s patience, albeit in a ‘just one more try, I know I can do this way.’

It’s very oldschool, in that regard, and that style of challenge may not be for everyone. But if you’re up to the task, then Cuboid is a good investment (especially as there’s a free-to-play version, too).

Connect with us

Latest Recommended Games

Industrial Toys has released it’s follow-up to the great Midnight Star. In Renegade, a much more casual game, the focus is on short bursts of play and the never-ending constant upgrading of weapons and gear. This game brings the great controls for a mobile FPS that the previous version had, but focuses less on the story and more on the frantic gameplay.

Heroes of Loot 2 is an update to the original that brings even more to love of the original. This time around the player chooses two player types to take into the dungeon, switching between them in the game as needed.

Heroes of Loot 2 is 50% off right now for launch.

After their job, of keeping the dungeons in balance, was done, our heroes needed a new job. Roaming the lands they found a call for heroes, a castle in need, possible even a damsel in distress?

Pick two heroes to take into the adventure, controlling both heroes and using their special skills to navigate the dangerous castle hallways, rooms and floors. Switching between the two characters to solve quests, puzzles, and of course clear the dungeons of all evil.

Human Resources Corporation, from some of the same fine folks that brought us World of Goo is a puzzle games that makes some of the basics of programming into a fun little exercise.

The premise is that the player is a new recruit in a corporation that need to tell other in game characters how to move and act by giving a set of program commands to complete tasks. It’s a great introduction to the logic used in programming and a fun little game with great personality. Which is expected considering the team that created this.

Temple Run 2 has done it again. Expanded into a whole new world with the Blazing Sands expansion. Available now in the game.

Touch Arcade notes:

It’s called “Blazing Sands,” and as you can see from the above trailer, you’ll be running through canyons along side raging rapids and Egyptian-y looking statues while marauding vines are smacking you in the face… Which really isn’t much of a surprise as vines in video games seem to be jerks almost 100% of the time. Of course there’s new stuff to unlock too between new outfits and Blazing Sands artifacts. If you collect ’em all, you’ll even get a swanky new hat.

From Martin Magni, the developer of the great Odd Bot Out, Mekorama hit the App Store this week. This charming puzzle game has the player guide a robot through a series of very unique 3D puzzles. The puzzles have shades of Monument Valley without the Escher inspired vibe.

One of the features that really sets this game apart from others is the integrated level editor. This lets players create their own levels and share them via a simple QR code integrated image. Take a look at the new levels shared on Twitter with the #Mekorama hashtag. I’ve even created one to test the path finding skills of that little robot.

Mekorama is free in the App Store with a pay what you want price model.

There have been a lot of games that have aped the style of Monument Valley, but not that have really gotten the idea and complexity of the game. That is until Evo Explores. Evo Explores really understand the game and does a great job of adding puzzle types to the original that it unashamedly takes inspiration from. It’s so good that members of the Monument Valley team have remarked how impressed they are.

But beside that, the game can stand on its own as well. It’s a great suspension of belief type puzzler with new and interesting mechanics and is just plain fun. The story that goes along is a little weak, but then again that’s just a small part of the game. Well worth a download.

Support our sponsors

Apple, the Apple logo, Apple Watch, iPad, iPhone, and Apple TV are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries. App Store is a service mark of Apple Inc. Other terms may be trademarks of their respective companies.